Ranking the top AHL prospects

Kucherov, Dumoulin among minor league players to watch this season

Frederick Breedon/Getty ImagesNikita Kucherov is tied for the AHL lead in goals and second in overall scoring so far this season.

Hockey season around the globe is well underway, and over the last few weeks I've been on the road taking in AHL action. The AHL can sometimes get lost in the limelight of the CHL and even college hockey, but as the NHL's primary minor league, I was able to get a lot of scouting notes on some of the game's top prospects. The following are my observations from the past few weeks.

The Standout

Kucherov has looked great early on in his first AHL season, co-leading the AHL in goals and second in overall scoring, displaying dynamic offensive abilities. He's shown very high-end puck-possession skills while playing in tight spots, and the offensive hockey sense to create scoring chances with consistency. Kucherov adds good speed and finishing skill, which makes him a dangerous all-around offensive weapon.

To read Corey Pronman's full breakdown of the top AHL prospects, sign up for Insider today.

Corey Pronman is ESPN's NHL Draft and Prospects analyst. He provides analysis on the top draft-eligible players, prospects drafted by NHL teams and all other relevant prospect information. He lives in New York.